Wimbeldon, England ? Roger Federer neutralized Ivo Karlovic’s huge serves Wednesday to reach the Wimbledon semifinals and move a step closer to a record 15th Grand Slam championship. Two-time finalist Andy Roddick, Andy Murray and Tommy Haas completed the final four.

In a match featuring short points and few rallies, Federer conjured up a few great returns to break the 6-foot-10 Croatian twice and secure a 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (3) victory on another sunbaked day at the All England Club.

Federer, closing in on his sixth Wimbledon title, reached his 21st consecutive semifinal at a Grand Slam tournament and extended his winning streak to 17 matches with another vintage performance on his favorite Centre Court.

“I love the record I have of reaching so many semifinals in Grand Slams in a row — 21 is quite a number,” Federer said. “It shows how consistent I’ve been.”

It was Federer’s ninth win in 10 matches against Karlovic, who was playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.

Federer’s next opponent will be Germany’s Haas, who upset fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic, 7-5, 7-6 (6), 4-6, 6-3 to advance to his first Wimbledon semifinal. The 31-year-old Haas was the oldest player in the quarters, while the 22-year-old Djokovic was the youngest.

The third-seeded Murray swept Juan Carlos Ferrero, 7-5, 6-3, 6-2, to reach his first Wimbledon semifinal and keep up his bid to become the first British player to win the men’s title since Fred Perry in 1936.

Murray will face the sixth-seeded Roddick, who served 43 aces and outlasted 2002 champion Lleyton Hewitt, 6-3, 6-7 (10), 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-4 in the day’s most competitive match.

Nady to have surgery

New York — Yankees outfielder Xavier Nady will have ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow after re-injuring it during a minor league rehab game. The Yankees announced Wednesday that Nady’s second Tommy John operation will be done July 8. Nady also had the surgery in 2001.

AUTO RACING

Mayfield suspension lifted

Charlotte, N.C. — A judge lifted Jeremy Mayfield’s drug suspension Wednesday, saying the NASCAR driver is free to race at Daytona this weekend.

“The court finds the harm to Mr. Mayfield significantly outweighs any harm to NASCAR,” U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen said.

NASCAR had indefinitely suspended Mayfield on May 9 after he tested positive for methamphetamines on May 1.

NASCAR chairman Brian France said the organization had no immediate plans to file an appeal, but he didn’t rule it out.

“We are disappointed, but we respect the judge’s ruling,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said in a statement.

Whether Mayfield will field a car is still a question. After the ruling he said he definitely would be at the speedway but has to work out the money for his race team to be there, too.

NBA

Bryant won’t opt out

Los Angeles — Kobe Bryant insisted his contract status wouldn’t be an issue, and he was right. Bryant chose not to terminate the final two years of his contract and will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team he wanted to leave just two summers ago.

Team spokesman John Black on Wednesday confirmed Bryant’s decision. The MVP of the NBA finals had until Tuesday to become an unrestricted free agent, but downplayed questions about his plans throughout the Lakers’ five-game victory over Orlando.

Shaq arrives in Cleveland

Cleveland — Shaquille O’Neal took his first look at his new basketball home.

The 15-time All-Star center toured the Cavaliers’ suburban practice facility and took his physical on Wednesday, one day before he is formally introduced as superstar LeBron James’ newest teammate. O’Neal and a small group of associates met briefly with Cavs coach Mike Brown and others at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, Ohio.

Artest mulling options

Houston — If LeBron James or Kobe Bryant are looking for a little help, Ron Artest is taking calls. The Rockets forward, an unrestricted free agent, will consider a team’s chances of winning an NBA championship when deciding where he’ll bring his skills next season, his agent, David Bauman, said Wednesday.

Pistons land Gordon

Detroit — A person with the knowledge of the negotiations says the Detroit Pistons have agreed in principle to contracts with free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.

Gordon, the third pick in the 2004 draft by the Chicago Bulls, agreed to a five-year deal for at least $50 million.

Villanueva, the seventh overall pick by Toronto in 2005 who has played the last three of his NBA season with the Milwaukee Bucks, also agreed to a five-year deal. His contract is worth at least $35 million.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UCLA reveals seating plan

Los Angeles — UCLA unveiled a point system to determine the pecking order by which fans get to choose their seats in a renovated Pauley Pavilion. The aging basketball arena is set to undergo a makeover in time for the 2012-13 season.

The university announced a plan Tuesday that ranks ticket holders, giving credit to alumni, longtime season-ticket holders and donors who help pay for the $185 million renovation.

Athletic director Dan Guerrero called it an effort to “recognize the longtime supporters of UCLA athletics.” The price increases won’t be clear until next week when ticket holders receive statements informing them of their ranking.

He said UCLA has received $53 million in donations and pledges for the project.

Jimmy V matchups set

Bristol, Conn. — Butler will meet Georgetown, and Indiana will face Pittsburgh in this year’s Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. The pairings for the Dec. 8 doubleheader were announced Wednesday.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

FSU: Penalty unfair

Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida State is arguing it’s unfair to make football coach Bobby Bowden and others they say played no role in an academic cheating scandal give up wins. The university appealed an NCAA infractions committee decision Wednesday to strip the school of victories in several sports, including individual records of innocent coaches and athletes.

BOXING

Ex-champ Arguello dead

Managua, Nicaragua — Alexis Arguello, who reigned supreme at 130 pounds, was found dead at his home early Wednesday. The La Prensa newspaper reported that Arguello — elected mayor of Nicaragua’s capital last year — was found with a gunshot wound to the chest. The 57-year-old Arguello retired in 1995 with a record of 82-8.